How many languages do you learn at once?

This is a discussion on How many languages do you learn at once? within the A Brief History of Cprogramming.com forums, part of the Community Boards category; Just would like have the general idea how you guys cope w/ your learning all those languages.
I'm thinking of ...

Seriously though, learning a language is such an ongoing process that I don't think one can ever reach a point at which one can just say, "Yep, I know everything there is to know about that language so I can just stop learning anything about it." So, I think one is obligated to learn more than one language at once.

I do think, however, that it's good to get a firm grasp on at least one language when you begin to program. Then, when you try to learn another language, little will seem all that new to you. You'll just look at something in language X and go, "Oh, that's just like this in language Y."

"The computer programmer is a creator of universes for which he alone is responsible. Universes of virtually unlimited complexity can be created in the form of computer programs." -- Joseph Weizenbaum.

"If you cannot grok the overall structure of a program while taking a shower, you are not ready to code it." -- Richard Pattis.

True, but the learning curve is a lot steeper at the beginning. There comes a point when learning new things in the language become relatively few and far between.

At any rate, I would not enter the "steep learning curve" part of multiple languages that are particularly dissimilar (C++ and Prolog, for example). Perhaps a couple similar languages at the same time is manageable.

I've done two or three at a time, but it's important to stagger them by a few months. I need to learn Java for AP comp sci next year, and I would like to learn PHP or Perl (does anyone know where I can get some free web space that will let me play with those?)

Originally posted by blackrat364 I've done two or three at a time, but it's important to stagger them by a few months. I need to learn Java for AP comp sci next year, and I would like to learn PHP or Perl (does anyone know where I can get some free web space that will let me play with those?)

You dont need free web space to have PHP and/or Perl. Just d/load the necessary bin or modules for your platform, i.e. if you're using Linux or Windows. You'll also need a web server, Apache or IIS would do fine on either platform. Next is a lil configuration to get both the web server and the web application server working.

I've tried many times for many hours to get a webserver running on my computer, but for some reason, I can't configure my router to allow it. Is it possible to run PHP/Perl stuff entirely locally, without reliance on an internet connection at all?

The most languages I've ever studied in the same semester was 6. I was learning Java, Perl, Bash shell scripting, VBScript, Lisp and Ada. Ofcourse I had already learned plenty of C and C++ before, so picking up the syntax wasn't that bad (Lisp was interesting though). The hard part was keeping them all separate for the exams.
Now I mostly program in Java and VBScript with a little C++ here and there. And I've recently picked up Perl again.

blackrat364 -
If you need any help setting up a local server I can give you tips and links to get you up and running. Just let me know what OS and server you're using.
You should be able to setup an Apache server with PHP and Perl support on Windows or Unix/Linux with little effort.
And if you want help configuring your router so you can get to it from the internet I can help you there too. I'd suggest a dynamic DNS host like www.no-ip.com unless you have a static IP.

Exactly. I would safely say: You know C? You know Java. And J#, J++, C#, blah blah K^% and F@* etc etc. You'd pick up Pascal in about 2.3 seconds (use Delphi). Not that you really need pascal for anything IMO. You learn one scripting language you learn 'em all. Many are based off the C syntax as well so that makes 'em twice as easy.

Personally I dont go around learning everything just for the sake of it. I know every language I've ever had a use for. I keep increasing my abilities in the languages I use (language really: C++). I've taught people languages I'd never seen before in my life. Sat down and looked at my brothers Python script and debugged it without every having read a line of Python before.